Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has called for stronger global cooperation and community-driven efforts in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Speaking during the opening of the Afri-Asia Drug Prevention and Treatment Summit at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Mwaura emphasized that addressing the global drug menace requires both international solidarity and local action anchored on prevention, rehabilitation, and empowerment.
The summit comes just days after authorities intercepted a stateless vessel in the high seas, about 630 kilometres off the Mombasa coast, carrying 1,024 kilograms of 98% pure methamphetamine valued at Ksh 8 billion. Six Iranian nationals were arrested in connection with the massive drug haul.
Mwaura noted that Africa and Asia, which together account for 78% of the world’s population, bear the heaviest burden of drug demand and its social consequences.
“Reducing drug demand is not merely a policy goal but a constitutional duty that supports human dignity, health, and sustainable development,” he stated.
He outlined the government’s four-pillar approach to drug control: evidence-based prevention, integrated treatment and rehabilitation, community empowerment, and cross-sectoral partnerships.
Mwaura further urged governments to prioritize vulnerable groups, including youth, women, refugees, and persons with disabilities, through inclusive and gender-sensitive interventions.
“The fight against drug abuse is not a government affair alone — it’s a shared human responsibility. Africa and Asia must stand together for a future free from the harm caused by drugs,” he added.